MERCAZ Olami

04/06/2026

Join us for an exclusive conversation with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael - Jewish National Fund Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky as he shares insights on rebuilding efforts in Israel’s north and south as well as his work promoting our shared values through the work of the Jewish world’s largest nonprofit.

Having previously served as Chief of Staff to Dr. Yizhar Hess, WZO Vice Chairman, Eyal is the strategist behind many of MERCAZ's successes in recent years.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14
AT 8 PM JERUSALEM TIME
ON ZOOM

❱❱ The event will be held in English with simultaneous translation into French and Spanish.

Register today at:
https://rebrand.ly/180626 (English)
https://rebrand.ly/140626ES (Spanish)

Invite friends and colleagues from your community to join the conversation.

04/06/2026

We join Rabbi Arie Hasit, Associate Dean of the בית המדרש לרבנים ע"ש שכטר Schechter Rabbinical Seminary in calling everyone to take part in this year's pride month events, starting today with the Pride Parade in Jerusalem: "Baruch She'asani Kirtzono (ברוך שעשני כרצונו) God created all of us according to God's will. Let us embrace God's will, and let us be proud of it."

As Pride Month begins, Rabbi Arie Hasit, a religious, straight ‘pride rabbi’ who has attended Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Pride for over 20 years, calls on religious leaders to support LGBTQ+ Jews

03/06/2026

MERCAZ UK team member Dan Kyle facilitated a special session on current developments in Israel at Yom Masorti, the flagship annual gathering of learning, celebration, and community organized by Masorti Judaism in the UK.

Together with Rabbi Joel Levy, participants explored the evolving role of the Masorti Movement In Israel-התנועה המסורתית בישראל, current challenges surrounding religious pluralism, and the growing impact of Masorti representation within institutions such as the World Zionist Organization and KKL.

These conversations help strengthen the connection between Israel and Jewish communities worldwide while advancing a shared vision of a pluralistic and democratic Jewish future.

20/05/2026

Shavuot reminds us that revelation was never meant for only one voice, one interpretation, or one way of being Jewish. At Sinai, the entire people stood together, united not by uniformity, but by shared responsibility and shared destiny.

As we celebrate the giving of the Torah, we are reminded that Judaism has always been shaped through learning, dialogue, debate, and the understanding that every Jew deserves a place within our collective story.

At a time when many Jews still need to struggle for the right to pray freely and equally at the Kotel, these values feel especially urgent.

The strength of the Jewish people has never come from narrowing the tent. It comes from building communities rooted in dignity, pluralism, tradition, and mutual responsibility.

This Shavuot, may we continue working toward a Jewish future where every Jew can stand at Sinai fully seen, fully respected, and fully included.

Explore Shavuot resources, learning materials, and holiday content in multiple languages at masortiolami.org/resource/shavuot, and read Rabbi Mauricio Balter special Shavuot Dvar Torah at masortiolami.org/resource/dvar-torah-shavuot-2026.

Chag Shavuot Sameach to our global Masorti/Conservative family.



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Music by Mikhail Smusev from Pixabay

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19/05/2026

MERCAZ Olami offers its warmest congratulations to the Jewish Theological Seminary on a truly momentous Commencement ceremony, and to President Isaac Herzog on receiving an honorary degree.

By inviting President Herzog to address the graduates, JTS has sent a clear and courageous message to the Jewish world: our connection to the State of Israel is fundamental to our identity. Even from afar, the participation of the President of the State of Israel in this ceremony carries deep meaning and reflects the enduring bond between Israel and Jewish communities around the world. We stand firmly with Chancellor Shuly Rubin Schwartz in prioritizing this vital dialogue between the President of the State of Israel and our future communal leaders.

President Herzog has consistently championed the “Voice of the People,” and there is no better place for that voice to be heard than at the flagship institution of the Conservative movement. His participation, including a virtual address to the gathering, reinforces our commitment to a Zionism that is inclusive, thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the reality of the Jewish State. President Herzog will receive his honorary degree in person at a later date.

Today is about more than a degree. It is about the leadership required to guide the Diaspora in the 21st century. We are proud to see JTS lead with such clarity and strength, ensuring that the next generation of Jewish professionals remains rooted in a deep love of Zion.

❱❱ Register to watch the livestream ceremony at jtsa.edu/event/2026-commencement-exercises-ordination

18/05/2026

Time and again, through every crisis, war, and regional escalation, Jewish communities around the world have stood firmly alongside Israel. Yet now, as a fragile quiet begins to return, political forces inside the Knesset are once again advancing legislation that threatens to fracture that very unity.

This Wednesday, May 20, the Knesset Constitution, Law, and Justice Committee is scheduled to discuss the extremist Kotel Bill, legislation that seeks to criminalize non-Orthodox and egalitarian prayer at the Kotel with penalties of up to seven years in prison.

The discussion comes just days after another deeply disturbing and hostile Rosh Hodesh prayer at the Kotel. Women participating in the tefillah were met with screaming, shouting, and deliberate disruption by organized groups brought to the site for that purpose. Rather than joining in prayer, members of the so-called “Kotel Angels” spent the morning attempting to intimidate women who were praying, reading Torah, and marking Rosh Hodesh peacefully in the women’s section.

These incidents are not isolated. They are part of a broader and increasingly aggressive effort to delegitimize pluralistic Judaism at Judaism’s holiest shared site.

At a moment when global Jewry continues to show unwavering support for Israel, advancing legislation that targets Masorti/Conservative, Reform, and pluralistic Jews sends a dangerous message to millions of committed Jews worldwide: that their Judaism is unwelcome at the Kotel.

MERCAZ Olami and our partners across the global Masorti/Conservative Movement are working actively to stop this dangerous legislation and defend the Kotel as a place that belongs to the entire Jewish people.

More than 13,000 people have already signed the global petition opposing this bill. Before Wednesday’s discussion, we need even more voices.

❱❱ Read Dr. Yizhar Hess’s analysis at shorturl.at/QyEa0, sign the petition at bit.ly/JewishPluralismAtTheKotel, and share it widely across your communities and networks. Israeli lawmakers must understand that world Jewry is paying attention and will not remain silent while pluralistic Jews are pushed out of our shared sacred spaces.

Photos by Kobi Wolf and Hila Shiloni Rosner

14/05/2026

Jerusalem stands at the heart of Jewish life and memory, a city that carries history, faith, and hope in every corner.

On this Yom Yerushalayim, we mark 59 years since the reunification of this remarkable city. Known as the Eternal City, Jerusalem is home to people of all faiths, cultures, and traditions who share its streets, its stories, and its future.

May this day be a reminder of our deep connection to Jerusalem and of the importance of continuing to build a city that belongs to all who call it home, rooted in dignity, coexistence, and shared belonging.

Happy Jerusalem Day!

Dive deeper into Jerusalem’s story across the centuries. Visit timeline.cityofdavid.org.il and explore an interactive timeline on the of David Foundation website.

04/05/2026

Lag BaOmer, observed on the 33rd day of the Omer (18th of Iyar), brings a pause to the semi-mourning period between Pesach and Shavuot, marking a shift from reflection to joy within the Jewish calendar.

Rooted in Jewish tradition, the day commemorates the moment when a devastating plague among Rabbi Akiva’s students came to an end, and is also associated with the spiritual legacy of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. Across generations, it has become a symbol of resilience, renewal, and light.

Marked by bonfires, gatherings, and celebration, Lag BaOmer reminds us of the enduring strength of Jewish life and the importance of continuing to nurture vibrant Jewish communities today.

MERCAZ and Masorti Olami wish you a meaningful and uplifting Lag BaOmer.

Learn more about the festival at the KKL (קק״ל - קרן קימת לישראל) special page: kkl-jnf.org/people-and-environment/israeli-and-jewish-festivals/lag-baomer/lag-baomer-jewish-tradition

27/04/2026

It is inspiring to see the impact Eyal Ostrinsky, our representative on the KKL (קרן קימת לישראל) Board, and Chairman of the organization, is already creating by helping guide the organization toward a deeper, more meaningful connection with Jewish communities around the world.

His vision brings a fresh perspective, a strong commitment to the Diaspora, and a clear determination to strengthen the bridges between Israel and global Jewish life. Truly a new era for such a historic institution.

Check out the full story at jpost.com/diaspora/article-894014